The inward journey
March 5, 2023 • 9 & 11 AM
COVID-19 Guidelines Our current COVID-19 safety policy is “masking by choice.” Everyone on our campus may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect themselves and those around them. We will respect everyone’s choice in this matter. To learn more about the new policy, visit asburyfirst.org/news/2022/6/june-covid-masking-update. FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us, whether in person or online. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. If you're in the pews, please sign in on the red fellowship pad and pass it down your pew. Our hope is to get to know you better and help you find your place within our community. Additionally, drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org. ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL Large print bulletins and hymnals are available from the ushers. A hearing loop is available for those who have hearing aids with T switches, and you may also request earphones from the ushers to aid you in hearing the service. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org or by filling out one of our prayer cards found in the pews. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Team. Children We believe children are a sacred gift, and they are welcome in our worship. Children will be invited forward during worship for a Children’s Time. Following this, children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to go with our children’s educators for further enrichment or return to their caretaker for the remainder of the service. If there is more our Children's Ministry can do, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or at 585-271-1050 x111. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. We encourage full participation in our community for all, regardless of age, race, origin, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, education/economic background, and physical/mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First. Each gift supports the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or in the basket on your way out of the sanctuary following the service. Text to Give—You may give a gift with a debit/credit card by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online—Online giving is available on our website at asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right. Watch and listen Tune into the live video stream of the 11 am service at asburyfirst.org/live-stream. To listen to the service tune into WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. A video archive of past services is also available at asburyfirst.org/archive.
11 am • March 5, 2023
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* please stand as you are able
*Gathering Hymn
#369 "Blessed Assurance", v. 1
Second Sunday of Lent
Prelude
“Adagio in C Minor” — Alessandro Marcello “Praeludium in C Minor” BWV 546 — Johann Sebastian Bach
Introit
How lovely, Lord, how lovely is your abiding place; my soul is longing, fainting to feast upon your grace. The sparrow finds a shelter, a place to build her nest; and so your temple calls us within its walls to rest. (Words: Arlo Duba, based on Psalm 84:1-3; Music: Felix Mendelssohn, ed. Carl Johengen)
*Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the reader will read the unbolded type. Welcome pilgrims on the way to the cross. We are learning to follow Jesus. When God says, “Go!” without telling us the destination, Show us, Christ, how to go forward in faith. When re-birth is the impossible way forward, Christ, be with us as we accept God’s call to be reborn. When we find ourselves in the in-between, Christ, meet us on the way and bless us in the going. Pilgrims on the way, come let us worship God!
*Processional Hymn
#116 "The God of Abraham Praise” (Note: Online users may click the link of the title to access the hymn)
*Greeting and Passing of the Peace
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Prayer of Confession
God of salvation, you shower our lives and our world with love. Yet we too often turn away from your blessing. There are little annoyances each day, but we let them pile up into a mountainous burden that becomes a curse on our lives. Free us from our unwise choices, O God. When we are distracted and confused, redirect our attention to the abundant opportunities to experience your love. During this Lenten journey, focus our hearts on you.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn it, but that the world might be saved through him. Claim this blessing, and let it transform your life. Through the saving love of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and blessed! Amen.
*Gloria
11 am
Scripture Genesis 12:1-4a
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him.
Children's Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
To Renew Commitment
Introduction to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
We are delighted you have joined us and ask that you sign and pass the ritual of friendship pad from the center aisle down the pew. We invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift to support the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. There are multiple ways to make a gift to Asbury First: Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail or place it in the offering plate as it is passed to you. Text to Give—You may give a gift with a debit/credit card by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online—Online giving is available on our website at asburyfirst.org/give. Venmo—You may give a gift through Venmo by finding “@givingasburyfirst” or by scanning the QR code to the right.
To hear the word
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, almighty God... ... And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Offertory
"Let Us Break Bread Together" — African American Spiritual, arr. Gwyneth Walker Let us break bread together on our knees. Let us break bread together on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me. Let us love one another on our knees. Let us love one another on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Let us rise up together all as one. Let us rise up together all as one. When I rise from my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy. O Lord, have mercy. O Lord, have mercy, have mercy, have mercy, and bring us peace.
Sermon
Bringing a Lot
To celebrate holy communion
Communion Hymn
#508 "Faith, While Trees Are Still in Blossom", vv. 1, 3, 5
Invitation to Communion
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here... ...Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.
The Lord's Supper
Please come forward via the center aisle to receive Communion, and return to your seat by way of the side aisles. If you wish, you may take a moment to kneel at the altar rail before returning to your seat.
Hymns
#623 "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee" #628 "Eat This Bread"
...In remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Eucharistic Acclamations — Roger Wilhelm
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgists: Rev. Rachel Dupont, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Mike Mullin Assisting with Communion: Rev. Paul Gongloff, Rev. Ruthellen Hoyle, Rev. Dr. Timothy James Johnson, Rev. Stuart Mitchell, Rev. Susan Shafer Lay Reader: Andrew Hunt Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders: Sipra Agrawal Kolar, Brenda Nitsch, Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Choral Scholars: Kayla Sconiers, Holden Turner Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Head Usher: Brian White Production Suite Director: Larry Dugan Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Harper Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
To Disperse in Mission
“Let Us Break Bread Together” © 2017 E.C. Schirmer Music Company, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, with Freepik and Vecteezy.
*Closing Hymn
#117 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”
*Benediction
*Benediction Response
Amen (Tom Birchwood)
Postlude
“Fugue in C Minor” BWV 546 — Johann Sebastian Bach
Permissions:
Prayer After Receiving
We give you thanks for this Holy Mystery in which we share in your grace. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit; that we may offer this world hope and peace through our living. Amen.
Call to Worship
Opening Hymn
#369 "Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine", v. 1
Welcome & Passing of the Peace
You are invited to sign and pass the ritual of friendship tablet which you will find at the end of the pew.
Gathering Hymn
#131 "We Gather Together", v. 1
Scripture
Genesis 12:1-4a (found on p. 5)
Prayer
Communion
Closing Hymn
#117 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”, vv. 1, 2, 3, 6
Benediction
Participants in Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Organist: David Strong
9 am • March 5, 2023
chapel service
Sanctuary Choir and Asbury Ringers Return!
Help Me
ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altars are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Eleanor and Leigh Fitch by Bob, Mason and Ginn Fitch; in loving memory of Norm’s parents Gilbert and Jean Welch, and Kathy’s parents William and Dorothy Ogden by Norm and Jesse Welch; in loving memory of Sally Wing by her husband Robert and family; in loving memory of Dr. Timothy J. Johnson’s maternal grandmother, Bonnie Smeltzer; and in remembrance and honor of Fred Hamil’s birthday by his wife Carolyn and his children, Susan, Steven and Julie and his grandchildren Julianna, Chloe, Alicia and Olivia. Have you noticed the lone sunflower on the altar? The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukraine, we will have a single sunflower on the high altar until the war ends. Want to help? You can support the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) Ukraine special advance online at asburyfirst.org/give. Please note "Ukraine", or mail a check to the church office at 1050 East Ave. We will collect these special donations and send them on to UMCOR. If you would like to place flowers on the altar, please contact Jeanne Ristau at 585-223-4356, preferably two weeks ahead of requested date. Prayers and Concerns We offer our prayers and concerns for all those who are ill at home, hospitalized, or in hospice care, and for all those affected and infected by the global pandemic. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Michael Proukou, who died on January 2. A memorial service will be held on April 1 at 2 pm; the family will be greeting people in the Gathering Center at 1 pm. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Bonnie Erwin, who died on February 14. A memorial service will take place at Asbury First on Friday, March 17 at 11 am. We offer our prayers and concerns to the friends and family of Russell Peck, who died on February 20.
Celebrations and concerns
Are you interested in taking the next step in your faith journey, finding your place in the life of Asbury First, or are just in need of a deeper connection? There is a place for you! Scan the QR code, visit asburyfirst.org/ help-me-connect, or call the office at 585-271-1050 to connect.
CONNECT
Join us for orientation at the COC: Wednesday, March 8, 6:30-8:00 pm Saturday, March 18, 10:00-11:30 am
Volunteer Orientation
Are you as excited for the Community Outreach Center to fully open up as we are? Then register for Volunteer Orientation! Each session at 1010 East Ave. will last about 90 minutes and will include important information relevant to volunteering in any capacity within the Center. We are encouraging all volunteers, past, present, and future, to attend a session! Visit asburyfirst.org/news to register for a March session.
Sunday 8 am Pie making (youth)—1040 Fellowship Hall Kitchen 9 am Chapel Service In-Person 9:45 am Children's Sunday School—1040 Education Wing 9:45 am Queerfully and Wonderfully Made —1040 Youth Room 9:45 am Bluey Family Class—1040 Room 201 9:45 am As the Spirit Moves Us—1050 Teak Room 9:45 am Hybrid Adult Sunday School—1040 Butlers Pantry and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 11 am Worship Service In-Person and Livestream 12:15 pm New Members Class—1050 Stephen's Office 12 pm Library Bibliocart—1040 Gathering Center 12:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Room 201, Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary 3 pm Pie for Pi Day Fundraiser—1040 Welcome Hall MONday 9 am Library Work Day—1040 Library 9 am Monday Morning Crew—1040 Tuesday 8:30 am Lectio Divina—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 9:30 am Tuesday Morning Women's Fellowship —Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 2:30 pm Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 3 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm Music, Meditation, and Imagination —1040 Room 201 6:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley and Fellowship Hall Wednesday 7 am Men’s Fellowship Group —Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464) 9 am Wednesday Women's Fellowship Group —1040 Room 203 10 am Wednesday Morning Study Group: Near the Exit—1040 Room 203 and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 2 pm Lenten Communion Service —St. John's Meadows 5 pm Hallelujah Kids Choir—1040 Room 201 5:30 pm Community Dinner—1040 Gathering Center 6 pm An Invitation to Transformation —1040 Fellowship Hall and Zoom (zoom.us/j/8347173468) 6 pm Wesley Singers & Ringers—1040 Room 201 6 pm Youth Handbells—1040 Bell Room 6:15 pm Taize Service—1040 Sanctuary 6:30 pm Community Outreach Center Volunteer Orientation—1010 Dining and Caring Center 7 pm New Members Class Hybrid—1050 Stephen's Office and Zoom (zoom.us/j/82498934913) 7 pm Asbury Ringers—1040 Bell Room 7 pm Youth Choir —1040 Room 201 7:30 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal—1040 Wesley Hall Thursday 2 pm Lenten Communion Service —The Highlands at Pittsford 4 pm Gentle Yoga—1040 Gathering Center, $10 pay at the door 6 pm UR Well Clinic—1010 COC Evarts UR Well Clinic 6:30 pm Sound of Music Rehearsal—1040 Wesley and Fellowship Hall friday 10 am Disciple II Bible Study—Zoom (zoom.us/j/6174865464)
Meetings & Rehearsals March 5–11
For a full list of events with links, visit our online calendar at asburyfirst.org/events or call the church office at 585-271-1050
Are you interested in joining Asbury First? We are pleased to be offering the next round of New Members Classes for any and all interested in joining Asbury First. Our hope is to have everyone join on Sunday, March 12.
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at 206-222-1050, OR MAIL IN YOUR CHECKS TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607
You need not register to attend, but if you know that you will be there, we’d love to know! Simply email Deb Bullock-Smith at dbullocksmith@asburyfirst.org or call 585-271-1050.
We are delighted to announce the return of the internationally acclaimed Morehouse College Glee Club. Don't miss out on this incredible musical group! Scan the QR code, or contact the church office at 585-271-1050 to purchase tickets.
New Member’s Classes
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 7 pm $25 Admission
TWO OPTIONS: In-Person: TODAY, 12:30-1:30 pm, 1050 Stephen's Office, Lunch served. Hybrid: Wednesday, March 8, 7 pm, 1050 Stephen's Office, Zoom (zoom.us/j/82498934913)
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Online readers, click the "Return to Page" to quickly get back to the worship portion of the bulletin.
#116 "The God of Abraham Praise"
continued on next page
*Gathering Hymn (Cont'd)
#508 "Faith, While Trees Are Still in Blossom", v. 1, 3, 5
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Hymns during Communion
#623 "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee"
#628 "Eat This Bread"
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#117 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past"
Gathering Hymn (9 am)
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